Dr. Lyman Harris, professor and director of rehabilitation science at Arkansas Tech University, recently received special recognition from the Arkansas Counseling Association.

Harris was named recipient of the organization's 2004 Donald R. Rye Humanitarian and Caring Person Award.

"The award honors a person who gives to others without fanfare or expectation of reward other than personal satisfaction in seeing other persons made happier or our society and our profession given more integrity," the organization stated, when naming Harris the recipient.

"Dr. Harris epitomizes the ideal of work and service for others without seeking recognition and accolades from others," the announcement stated. "His resume provides ample evidence of his untiring efforts to make his community and Arkansas a more humane and caring place to live."

Harris has been recognized for his record of service on other occasions. In 2002, he received Tech's Faculty Excellence Award for Service.

He joined the Tech faculty in 1975 as assistant professor and director of the university's rehabilitation science program. From October 1999 through June 2002, he served as the interim chair of Tech's Behavioral Sciences Department.

During that 30-year career at Tech, Harris has served on a number of faculty committees and community boards. He currently serves on the Tech Academic Council, the curriculum and catastrophic leave committees, the MARVA Board of Directors, and the Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center Rehabilitation Department Community Advisory Board.

In 1979, Gov. Bill Clinton appointed Harris to a three-year term on the inaugural Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling. He chaired the board in 1981 and since that original appointment, he has served four terms. That 12-year record of service is the longest of anyone else on that board.

Harris is also a member of the American Counseling Association, the National Rehabilitation Counseling Association and the National Rehabilitation Association.

He serves on the advisory committee for the rehabilitation counselor training programs for both Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas.